9. How should elders prepare themselves to represent God’s will in the congregation?

⁹ Since theocracy is God rule, effective elders are thoroughly familiar with God’s will. Joshua was commanded to read the Law daily. Elders too need to study and consult the Scriptures regularly and to be thoroughly familiar with Bible literature published by the faithful and discreet slave. (2 Timothy 3:14, 15) This includes the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and other publications that show how Bible principles apply to specific situations.a However, while it is important for an elder to know and to follow guidelines published in the Watch Tower Society’s literature, he should also be thoroughly familiar with the Scriptural principles that lie behind them. He will then be in a position to apply Scriptural guidelines with understanding and compassion.​—Compare Micah 6:8.